WASHINGTON (CNN) - Top congressional Republicans cautioned Democrats not to rush through a massive stimulus package that lawmakers hope to send to President-elect Barack Obama shortly after he takes office next month.

A House Democratic leadership aide told CNN on Tuesday that Congress will likely take up a stimulus bill the second week of January.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said the Congress must prove to taxpayers that the stimulus bill, which some economists suggest could amount to $1 trillion, "is not wasting their money."

"We should have a simple test: will the yet-unwritten, reportedly trillion-dollar spending bill really create jobs and grow the economy - or will it simply create more government spending, more bureaucrats and deeper deficits?" McConnell said in a statement Monday.

McConnell's $1 trillion figure for the stimulus bill may be an overestimate, however.

soundoff(291 Responses)

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH

The Democrats have a 49-49 + 2 independents (Lieberman?) in the Senate: Some GOP Senators must have voted for the $700 billion Wall Street bailout! The House has a slim majority – must have been some GOPers voting "yes" there too!

Blind to blame the Democrats for the past two years when all the GOP wanted to do was obstruct... just like now.

The GOP is the party of "borrow and spend" leaving with a historically high deficit... still building bridges to nowhere!

December 30, 2008 09:43 pm at 9:43 pm |

happy new year

republicans take a look at our country since we have had you for our president, we can't afford our homes any more, we can't even afford all the necessary things that our families need, like food, clothing, health insurance, a lot of us have no job, now please go away and let some one else try to get us out of this horrible mess that you created.

December 30, 2008 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |

Plenty of Doubt

"However, I am willing to give them the benefit of a douibt. I like the fact that they are participating based on what used to be their core principles..."

Even after 8 years of bad judgment and poor leadership? What if there core values are wrong? Just because someone "believes" does not make it right! People used to believe in slavery and not letting women vote- those were "core values" and like what the The Republicans believe now, will not stand the test of time ...

December 30, 2008 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |

We're NOT "your friends"!!!

Slow down. Slow down. Come on the economy is shaky @ best. We need something to get this country kick-started again. I agree there needs to be oversight and accountability but we also need it fast!!! GOP do what the 1st 2 letters of your party spell. Please just GO!!!

December 30, 2008 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |

Pat - California

Ed, Santa Fe, NM December 30th, 2008 7:02 pm ET
Like the GOP has any kind of record to stand on concerning the economy?
______________________

Like the Dems have any kind of record to stand on concerning the economy?

IT IS TO LAUGH…

December 30, 2008 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |

Trollmaster

If they want accountability, fine, so long as we also have real accountability on the 700$ Billion dollar bailout, and how our Iraq war money was spent. Put this on any stimulus and the Republicans are going to shut up really fast about this issue.

December 30, 2008 10:00 pm at 10:00 pm |

Larry from RI

"In place of the Democrats' plan to spend billions on roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects to spur the economy, Boehner pushed a plan that would increase the child tax credit for families and cut capital gains, small business, and corporate taxes to spark economic growth."

Excuse me but didn't we just handed the verdict of abject economic failure for the past 8-long years due to this same brainfart of an idea Mr. Boner is suggesting again?

Is he high?

No more trickle down BS – it has failed us all!

December 30, 2008 10:05 pm at 10:05 pm |

Socialists

Well thanks to the pending socialist policies of Obama, I have decided to close, not sell, my business a few years early and retire. Sounds good to be able to retire at 50, doesn't it? This way I will not be screwed by the "spread the wealth" President. Unfortunately, I had to release 25 employees. Oh well! At lease there's no chance of unionization! Good job Obama!

December 30, 2008 10:06 pm at 10:06 pm |

Franky

I hope the GOP understand what they are doing. They do know that my boy is gonna get sorn in, right? Don't get me wrong, I respect the GOP's efforst to get hearings on this but if they do block this bill(for example), guess who's the blame gonna go to...and this bill is for the companies and by the companies, is supposed to be for the "economy." Guess who'll get the last laugh if its blocked...(evil laugh)....(evil laugh).....ooopps, my bad, LOL!

Plus, the GOP is acting like they understand values and so forth. This is the same party that have been indenial with their spending...and by the way, what happen to regulation?? Do conservatives believe in that?? I thought so...and now they wanna regulate?? Thety better watch out, they are flip flopping...

December 30, 2008 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

Robert R. Harper

Yesterday there were 1,382 reasons why I had nothing but disdain for the Republicans; today there are 1,383. The list goes on. Next McConnel will tell me that Keynes was a poor economist, that the Iraq war was right, and that Kentucky does not have any hill billies.

December 30, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

john

these republican lawmakers are rediculous!

They give george bush a black check for iraq year after year, yet when we spend money at home they complain.

Im sick of these old school republicans stuck in their stubborn ways. i jumped ship and am NEVER voting republican again. they just dont care about the country, only big business.

December 30, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

SamSunny

Good grief, is there a Republican who really gives an ounce of concern for this Country? It's all about being in control for them. They are sinking in their own ignorance and they still shout " it's all about us." They are truly a mean party. Not too smart generally, and have a deaf ear to what America is saying. These bunch of Southern Strategy NeoCon Conservatives have absolutely ruined the Republican Party, and more important, ruined America. Now there is mostly just a bunch of "has beens". They all have that same look and smile......the look of losers who don't realize it yet.

December 30, 2008 10:19 pm at 10:19 pm |

Godluvr

Given the method of their madness in running a shipwreck of a campaign, producing individuals such as Chip Saltzman, SP, Karl Rove, Joe-the-plumber, etc. as spokespersons, I say to the Dems: "Act quickly!' Do the opposite of whatever they say and you can't go wrong.

December 30, 2008 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |

JM

Next time you pay a thruway toll look at all the cars around you and wonder where all that money is going. That is the money that is supposed to be spent for infrastructure improvements. But it's not, it's wasted and now they want more from us.

December 30, 2008 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

IndependentfromTexas.

All you free market crap Republicans stop showing up? Enough that you have driven this economy, country and the world to dogs with your neo-liberal economic and military views. Damage has been done. Now, go drink some beer, eat some hogs, and just lie down.

December 30, 2008 10:23 pm at 10:23 pm |

Texas Trail Kitty

Seriously, do the Republicans actually think anyone cares what they say anymore? Perhaps they will rise from their own ashes at some much later date, but for now they are only seen as the usual obstructionists standing in the way of progress. McConnell is just another old white guy trying to tell everyone what is best for them.

The bail out would have been better if the government had returned large portions of our tax money back to US and let us stimulate the economy. People spending money is what is needed – not banks sucking up the bailout money then thumbing their noses at people who need loans. For once, I would like to see the consumer win.

December 30, 2008 10:27 pm at 10:27 pm |

Bridgette

I think for the Republicans it's a little to late. The Barrak the magic negro song is all they have to offer. That is the core of their party. They are loosing their smart people.

December 30, 2008 10:34 pm at 10:34 pm |

Judy Mia Fl

Republicans up to their old tricks again. They best work with the President to help the American people or I'm sure there are enough people willing to donate time and money to help his opponent during the next KY elections.

I for one will be watching and making myself heard to my congressman and senator everytime they vote against bills I support. Every time....

I'm sick of these thieves!!!!!!!!

December 30, 2008 10:36 pm at 10:36 pm |

Proud American

Let "Richard Rohde," secede that's 1 less SSI check we taxes payer will have to pay. What a Idiot

December 30, 2008 10:43 pm at 10:43 pm |

From the decider to messiah. Oh what a feeling.

Down with the GOP.

December 30, 2008 10:48 pm at 10:48 pm |

Liz in DC

Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results?

Somebody, please get the GOP a head shrinker, as they are being obstructionist supply-siders, AGAIN! We all will suffer for it.

December 30, 2008 10:59 pm at 10:59 pm |

jaye

The GOP worried about wasting money??!!!!! After all the money wasted in Iraq, after all the bailouts for the big banks and mortgage companies – and the GOP is worried about wasting money that will create jobs and put food on the table? Those people are insane!
BUT, they're rich and powerful and don't have to worry about feeding their children and providing shelter and clothing for them. All they are concerned about is the election in 2012!!!!
Idiots, the lot of them.

December 30, 2008 11:00 pm at 11:00 pm |

aware

I am an Independent, and I agree with the GOP on this. We have enough debt already and more handouts will not solve anything! :(

PEBO will have a short term presidency if he doesn't avoid the pushy far left-wing democratic dingbats like Reid and Pelosi...!

December 30, 2008 11:01 pm at 11:01 pm |

yellow dog democrat

First thing PO wants to do is give us (working poor – but I'm working poor retired now) a tax cut in our paychecks....thats great. Folks if you get a cut – save some and pay off credit cards and buy yourself or family member something nice to help support the economy!

I can't believe all the ill informed bloggers complaining about the proposed tax cut....I guess they make too much money and may not be getting one this time~! – well, sorry, but it is our turn – we've been waiting along time and need relief badly and soon as possible

December 30, 2008 11:01 pm at 11:01 pm |

the t

How about u shut up!

you had your 8 yrs and you screwed up...i wonder where u were when Bush messed up the economy...oh yeah u were cheering him on.